Pacekids Programs
"More children with diverse needs in Calgary are receiving the support they need thanks to Pacekids Programs — and a Bespoke solution to scale their impact."
The Challenge
Pacekids Programs is a Calgary-based non-profit organization dedicated to empowering children with diverse needs and their families through therapy, education and play. Pacekids offers a range of programs, including an Alberta Education-licensed Early Childhood Services (ECS) program and Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD)-funded programs.
Now in its 30th year, Pacekids is embarking on an ambitious initiative to expand its ECS programs. Community demand consistently outpaces its supply of spaces – classes are small with a very low child-to-assistant ratio, with the ECS program running out of two Calgary locations.
Pacekids needed help finding a way to meet the significant and growing need for its services in the community.
The Bespoke Solution
Pacekids chose Bespoke for our expertise in conducting feasibility studies and developing comprehensive business plans tailored to non-profits. Bespoke CEO Jolene Livingston and Fundraising Strategist Jessica Freeman gathered insights and provided evidence-based recommendations to inform the expansion of Pacekids’ ECS programs into the community. The feasibility study:
• Identified potential community partners to co-host the program
• Provided financial models for the expansion
• Outlined program requirements
During the engagement, the opportunity to partner with Trellis also came into play, and the scope of work expanded to include developing the pilot program with Trellis. Pacekids selected Trellis Society, a non-profit that offers a wide range of programs, including preschool and kindergarten before- and after-school programs, through several Calgary locations. Bespoke developed sustainable funding forecast models and co-designed a business plan to create an inclusive environment for children with diverse needs. The solution included partnering with Trellis Society to pilot the program in three preschool classrooms and creating a replicable model for future partnerships.
• Identified potential community partners to co-host the program
• Provided financial models for the expansion
• Outlined program requirements
During the engagement, the opportunity to partner with Trellis also came into play, and the scope of work expanded to include developing the pilot program with Trellis. Pacekids selected Trellis Society, a non-profit that offers a wide range of programs, including preschool and kindergarten before- and after-school programs, through several Calgary locations. Bespoke developed sustainable funding forecast models and co-designed a business plan to create an inclusive environment for children with diverse needs. The solution included partnering with Trellis Society to pilot the program in three preschool classrooms and creating a replicable model for future partnerships.
The Impact
The pilot program will roll out in August 2024 with Pacekids providing ECS programming at Trellis’ three preschool locations in Calgary. Bespoke has supported Pacekids throughout the process of developing this business case, including the challenges of navigating the complexity of Alberta Education funding, ensuring adequate staffing, and managing the logistics of program delivery. Pacekids will evaluate and adjust the program throughout the year-long pilot to ensure its long-term success.